3520A Spindle Lock

[Mark Mandell]

For those with a Mustard Monster but wishing for a "real" spindle lock without trading in for a 3520B [when & if] following simple solution using a 16d duplex nail was posted by John Carr on the WC Turning Forum.

 

[sundance]

All i did was to unscrew the lower bolt and when I need to lock, i just slide the bracket to hold the button in.

 

[drjcbarton]

As a new "goldie" owner all I can say is, you guys are so clever! I had been trying to come up with some ellaborate way to do something so simple...

 

[Jeff Jilg]

That's a nice simple solution, thanks for posting it. I'll move this to the TIPs subforum after the replies tail off.

 

[John F Carr]

Sundance, I tried removing the bottom bolt and loosening the top one to swivel the bracket, but I couldn't help but wonder how long it would take for that top bolt to work its way out... never to be found in the mountain of shavings on the floor.

 

[sundance]

So far I havent lost it yet. I will ususally check it to make sure it is not too loose. If it is too loose, it will not stay in place to hold the lock.

 

[Don Leydens]

Hi guys! Thanks for the good ideas on this subject. It's always bothered me not being able to lock that spindle easily. Here's the same idea with a little twist.
I drilled two holes in the guard and used my drill chuck key to hold the button down or leave it open for turning. The spring in the button holds the key firm in either position and it keeps my chuck key handy without having any other loose parts (rods) around. The photos are of the key in place for both positions and a front view (hope they came out).
Thanks again, Don L.

 

[Odie]

Hello.......

My Woodfast spindle index has always had the capability to lock.....

But.....if you don't mind.....let me point out that locking the index pin on the spindle is something that has the possibility to do severe damage to your lathe if you ever forget about it, and crank up your lathe.....!

I've needed a reminder that the spindle index pin has been locked into place.

A simple cover of your "on switch" will do this nicely.....and will always remind you that you've locked the index pin.

The photo is of such a cover I was using prior to converting my lathe to variable speed. It worked well for the purpose. I have another method of doing this now, but don't have a photo.

The point is to do something that will remind you your index pin is locked......you guys are ingenious......you can figure out what that might be.......just do it!

If not.......sooner, or later, one, or a few of you will forget and regret! 😱

ooc

 

[Richard Baker]

If the PM has the same index pin arrangement as the 1642, you could use a suitable wood dowel in one of the index holes to temporarily secure the spindle for sanding those tough spots. Easy to insert, sand, remove, rotate to the next bad spot, repeat. But then you PMers probably never have any "bad spots" so must be locking the spindle for other reasons.

 

[justaccord]

spindle lock without trading in for a 3520B

Just for clarification, Mark, the b model does not solve the problem either -- same issue.

One can also remove the lower shoulder bolt holding the bracket and loosen the upper slightly, and slide the entire bracket across the button when wishing a positive lock.

 

[john lucas]

I've looked at all the various methods of "fixing" the 3520 spindle lock but just never got around to trying any of them. I just push the lock in, apply torque to the chuck or whatever I'm removing and then I can let go of the button and use 2 hands if necessary. On rare occasions It would be handy but apparently not often enough for me to modify the existing system. Personally I like the idea of just removing the bottom bolt and swiveling the guard to hold the button in the best. Nothing extra to keep up with of fool with and could be done with one hand.

 

[Robert Schmidt]

Yet another way to 'hands free' lock the 3520 spindle

This is what I came up with - works extremely well for what turning I do. Took less than an hour to do.

 

[Fred Belknap]

, but I couldn't help but wonder how long it would take for that top bolt to work its way out... never to be found in the mountain of shavings on the floor.

I thought the same so I used some blue thread locker on the top screw. It has been over a year and it is still where I placed it. I also put the bottom screw in a magnetic saucer on top of the lathe and it is still there.

 

[Bill Boehme]

The good threads never die -- they just hibernate for a few years. I like Marks simple approach. An enterprising soul could also rig up a Microswitch to the mechanism inside the headstock to prevent the controller from driving the motor with the spindle locked.

 

[Fred Belknap]

I have turned mine on a few times with the spindle locked, not the end of the world. You know pretty quick what you have done. I don't recommend it but it isn't any worse than stalling the lathe some other way. I try not to over tighten the belts for just those faux pas.

 

[Bill Boehme]

Sort of like leaving the knockout bar in the spindle. ........ I've heard that some folks have done that one. I'm not admitting to anything, but I've heard that it is attention getting .... Just saying.

 

[hockenbery]

Sort of like leaving the knockout bar in the spindle. ........ I've heard that some folks have done that one. I'm not admitting to anything, but I've heard that it is attention getting .... Just saying.

A lot of clubs seem to store their knockout bars in the headstock spindle.
It is always a relief to discover it is just the knockout making the noise and the lathe is ok.

Al

 

[Don Doyle]

I submitted something almost identical that was published in the Tips section in the April, 2011 issue of American Woodturner (pg 19).

Mine was for a Jet 1642, but the only difference in the "U" Channel is the color.

In following issues other people submitted different solutions - all in the Tips section.

Don Doyle